Airbnb joins race for AI talent to enhance machine learning

Airbnb has started using machine learning to improve part of its operations, such as matching people to lodging they might like, what prices it recommends to hosts and how it detects fraud.

Airbnb has already used machine learning to improve parts of its operations, such as matching people to lodging they might like, what prices it recommends to hosts and how it detects fraud, said a former engineer.

Under CFO Laurence Tosi, the company’s dealmaker, Airbnb is trying to spend some of its cash to accelerate its AI improvements.

Airbnb has tried to develop AI talent internally, like launching a university-style program inside the company earlier this year to teach engineers the necessary skills like data logging and machine learning.

The company is striving to make itself a more integral part of people’s entire trip, rather than just their lodging destination.